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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of England Is Mine (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


In the drizzly and industrial landscape of 1970s Manchester, a brooding and introspective Steven Patrick Morrissey navigates the complex and often treacherous terrain of adolescence. A solitary figure with a deep passion for music, he seeks solace in his nocturnal excursions, immersing himself in the sounds that resonate within him. By day, he pours his thoughts and emotions onto paper, submitting critiques and musings to various music publications. However, the conflicting expectations of his parents only deepen his inner turmoil: while his father pushes him toward securing a steady job, his mother is keen on nurturing his writing ambitions.

The entrance of the free-spirited artist Linder Sterling brings a much-needed spark of creativity into Morrissey’s life, motivating him to turn his lyrics into raw, emotional performances. Yet, just as their friendship begins to flourish, she relocates to London, leaving Morrissey to grapple with the stark realities of adulthood. The pressure mounts as he struggles to carve out a sense of stability and purpose in a world seemingly intent on suppressing his artistic inclinations.

Amidst fleeting moments of joy and creative fulfillment, courtesy of guitarist Billy Duffy, who collaborates with him on songwriting projects and encourages him to explore singing, Morrissey’s frustrations bubble just beneath the surface. As time goes by, Duffy eventually distances himself, leaving Morrissey feeling increasingly adrift and disconnected.

It is within this backdrop of both artistic and personal stagnation that Johnny Marr, a soon-to-be collaborator who will help form The Smiths, suddenly appears at his doorstep in 1982. With Marr’s arrival, it seems as though the stage is set for Morrissey to finally find his footing and channel his creative energies into something substantial. But for the moment, he finds himself ensnared in an artistic limbo, torn between the longing to express himself authentically and the overwhelming pressures to conform to societal expectations.

Timeline

Track the key events of England Is Mine (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Morrissey's Early Struggles

In the drizzly and industrial backdrop of 1970s Manchester, a young Steven Patrick Morrissey grapples with the complexities of adolescence. His introspective nature allows him to delve into his deep passion for music, serving as both an escape and a source of internal conflict.

1970s Manchester

Seeking Solace in Music

Amidst the chaos of teenage life, Morrissey finds respite in nocturnal excursions where he discovers music that resonates with his emotions. These late-night adventures become a vital part of his identity as he seeks to express his innermost feelings through sound.

Writing for Music Publications

By day, Morrissey channels his thoughts into writing as he critiques and shares his musings with various music publications. This writing becomes a significant outlet for him, allowing his frustration and desire for recognition to be expressed through the written word.

Parental Expectations

Morrissey's artistic aspirations are complicated by the contrasting expectations of his parents. His father urges him to pursue a stable job, while his mother supports his writing ambitions, causing Morrissey to experience deep inner turmoil as he struggles to find a balance.

Linder Sterling Enters His Life

The arrival of Linder Sterling, a free-spirited artist, injects creativity and inspiration into Morrissey’s world. Her presence motivates him to transform his lyrics into raw and emotional performances, igniting a spark that pushes his artistic boundaries.

Linder's Departure to London

Just as their friendship develops, Linder relocates to London, leaving Morrissey feeling abandoned and lost. Her departure marks a turning point for him as he is faced with the stark realities of adulthood and the harsh world that awaits him.

London

Maintaining Creative Connections

Morrissey finds fleeting moments of joy and creative fulfillment through his collaboration with guitarist Billy Duffy. Together, they engage in songwriting projects that encourage Morrissey to explore his potential as a singer and musician.

Duffy Distances Himself

As time passes, Duffy gradually distances himself from Morrissey, deepening Morrissey's sense of disconnection and isolation. This growing estrangement leaves Morrissey feeling unmoored, struggling with his direction in both life and music.

Johnny Marr's Arrival

In 1982, Johnny Marr arrives at Morrissey's doorstep, marking a pivotal moment in his life. This encounter holds the promise of collaboration that could help Morrissey channel his creative energies and provide the stability he so desperately seeks.

1982

Artistic Limbo

Despite Marr's arrival, Morrissey finds himself ensnared in artistic limbo. He battles the intense pressure to conform to societal expectations while yearning to express his authentic self, leaving him caught between two conflicting worlds.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring England Is Mine (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Steven Patrick Morrissey (Jack Lowden)

Morrissey is portrayed as a brooding and introspective character, grappling with the pressures of adolescence. His deep passion for music serves as both solace and torment, reflecting his quest for identity. The conflict between his artistic aspirations and family expectations shapes his emotional landscape.

🎸 Musician 🤔 Introspective 😔 Complex

Linder Sterling (Jodie Comer)

Linder is a free-spirited artist who becomes a significant influence in Morrissey's life. Her creativity and encouragement help him find a new direction, sparking his artistic ambitions. However, her departure to London leaves a void, emphasizing the impact of fleeting relationships on personal growth.

🎨 Artist 🌟 Inspirational 🚀 Free-Spirited

Billy Duffy (Peter McDonald)

Billy Duffy is a supportive guitarist who collaborates with Morrissey in songwriting. He inspires Morrissey to explore new musical avenues but ultimately distances himself, contributing to Morrissey's feelings of disconnection. Duffy represents both camaraderie and the challenges of creative partnership.

🎸 Guitarist 🎶 Collaborator 🤝 Supportive

Johnny Marr (Laurie Kynaston)

Johnny Marr is introduced as a pivotal figure in Morrissey's artistic journey, representing the promise of collaboration and success. His arrival signifies a turning point, suggesting that Morrissey may soon find his footing in the music industry. Marr's character embodies the hope and potential of new beginnings.

🎸 Collaborator 🌟 New Beginnings 🎶 Promising

Setting

Uncover the settings of England Is Mine (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1970s, early 1980s

The movie unfolds in the socially and economically tumultuous era of the 1970s, transitioning into the early 1980s. This period is marked by a rising youth culture and the emergence of new musical movements, reflecting the conflicts and aspirations of a generation. The backdrop of adolescence and the quest for identity resonate deeply with the historical context.

Location

Manchester

Manchester, known for its rich industrial history and vibrant music scene, serves as the backdrop for the film. The city is characterized by its drizzly weather and a sense of urban melancholy that mirrors the protagonist's internal struggles. In the 1970s, Manchester was a hub for artistic expression, making it a fitting setting for Morrissey's journey.

🏙️ City 🌧️ Weather 🎶 Music Scene

Themes

Explore the core themes of England Is Mine (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🎤

Artistic Struggle

The theme of artistic struggle is central to the narrative, highlighting the challenges faced by the protagonist in pursuing his creative passions. Morrissey's journey reflects the tension between societal expectations and the desire for self-expression. His experiences mirror the struggles of many artists in finding their voice amidst external pressures.

💔

Loneliness

Loneliness pervades the story as Morrissey navigates the complexities of adolescence and relationships. His introspective nature leads to feelings of isolation, magnified by the departure of significant connections. This theme underscores the emotional turmoil that accompanies the pursuit of one's dreams.

Creativity

Creativity and its transformative power are explored throughout the film, showcasing how music serves as a refuge for Morrissey. The arrival of Linder Sterling ignites his artistic spirit, yet the eventual separation highlights the fragility of inspiration. Ultimately, creativity becomes both a source of hope and a complex challenge.

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